Thu. Mar 13th, 2025
Best Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergent Decisions

Uncover the right non-toxic dishwasher detergent powder, pods and liquid made with pure parts and eco-friendly packaging, so you may discover a dishwasher detergent that is free from harsh chemical compounds and that works best in your needs!

Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents POST

Oh, the magic of the dishwasher! Pile in a day’s worth of dirty dishes, load inside the detergent, press the button, and voila – clear dishes!

Having lived with out an automatic dishwasher in quite a few flats in my youthful years, I distinctly keep in mind the feeling {{that a}} machine that washed my dishes was actually magic!

One issue I didn’t give lots thought to in these early years was the sort of dishwasher detergent I was using. Appears, I must have been!

dishwasher with dishesdishwasher with dishes

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Substances in Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergent

So some parts in dishwasher detergent are greater than others? You guessed it! Once you’re a each day reader of mindfulmomma you already know that there are quite a few toxic chemical compounds hiding in normal cleaning merchandise. Many parts in typical dishwasher detergents could possibly be harmful to human effectively being, along with harmful to aquatic life, vegetation and the environment. 

Harmful chemical compounds it is best to try to AVOID in dishwasher detergents embrace:

  • sodium hypochlorite – a bleaching agent (chlorine bleach) linked to respiratory ends in individuals and acute aquatic toxicity
  • zinc carbonate – might trigger burns to pores and pores and skin and eye hurt, moreover very toxic to aquatic life
  • formaldehyde – a acknowledged carcinogen
  • ethoxylated parts – they’re going to create carcinogenic 1,4 dioxane when blended
  • acrylic polymer – not biodegradable inside the environment
  • artificial fragrances – these non-specific parts could possibly be hormone disruptors or end in allergic reactions and pores and pores and skin irritation 
  • artificial colors/dyes – these non-specific parts my be linked to developmental, endocrine or reproductive outcomes

As a substitute, the right dishwasher detergents are made with mineral and plant-based parts, along with sodium carbonate, sodium citronate and sodium silicate. Don’t concern – these pure parts nonetheless have sturdy cleaning power!

My alternative is for an unscented dishwasher detergent, on account of I do not like a number of scent left on my clear dishes the least bit. Nonetheless within the occasion you do desire a scented dishwasher detergent, be sure that the scent comes from pure necessary oils or plant extracts solely, and by no means from synthetic fragrances.

Fortunately, one among many worst environmental offenders, phosphates, have been efficiently banned in dishwasher detergents, so we don’t have to stress an extreme quantity of about them anymore. Merely be careful for low price dollar retailer dishwasher detergents or random merchandise on Amazon that can nonetheless have phosphates hiding in them. 

Sustainable Swaps GuideSustainable Swaps Guide

Best Packaging for Eco Nice Dishwasher Detergent

A really eco-friendly dishwasher detergent is about additional than merely parts. It’s regarding the packaging too. 

Cleaning merchandise are notorious for being packaged in massive plastic bottles, and dishwashing detergents are usually not any exception. Fortunately, some smart, eco-friendly choices have popped up! I significantly admire producers that present plastic-free refill packs.

There are three main kinds of dishwasher detergent they normally all come packaged in a number of strategies.

  • Dishwasher detergent pods, packs or tablets: Detergent pods and packs are explicit individual packages of detergent wrapped in a biodegradable film*. Detergent tablets normally don’t have any wrapper. Every varieties are supplied in each a cardboard discipline, a recyclable tin or a plastic bag. 
  • Dishwasher detergent powder: Powder is obtainable in each a cardboard discipline or a plastic bag.
  • Dishwasher Detergent gel or liquid: Dishwasher gel is on the market in a plastic bottle. 

*A phrase about dishwasher pods: Dishwasher detergent pods have flip into extraordinarily widespread nonetheless the outside film is made using polyvinyl alcohol (additionally referred to as PVA, PVOH and PVAI), which is a synthetic plastic polymer. Polyvinyl alcohol is marketed as sustainable on account of it is water soluble, nonetheless whereas it seems to fade, it doesn’t actually degrade in real-life eventualities. Due to this PVA results in waterways and soil, and in the end, inside the meals chain. 

So which kind of dishwasher detergent packaging is best? Pods or tablets are most likely probably the most helpful on account of there’s no measuring involved. I personally need to make use of dishwasher tablets (with none film or additional packaging), or dishwasher powder that’s out there in a cardboard discipline. 

RELATED: Best Eco-Nice Laundry Detergent

Best Pure Dishwasher Detergent Producers

So let’s present you find out how to uncover the right pure dishwasher detergent that is non-toxic and eco-friendly and most of all – meets YOUR needs!

A phrase about pricing: In my comparability of producers beneath, I’ve included a worth per load. Some producers counsel 1-oz per load and others go by 1/2-oz per load. The amount you need is set by your dishwasher. Moreover, prices will change over time, so confirm mannequin internet sites for current pricing!

Best Pure Dishwasher Detergent Pods or Tablets

As I mentioned earlier, dishwasher tablets are the additional sustainable choice, on account of tablets don’t want a PVA film like dishwasher pods do. That talked about, some people need the pods, so I’ve shared a couple of of each type so that you could choose from. 

blueland-dishwasher-tabletsblueland-dishwasher-tablets

Blueland

  • Key Substances: sodium carbonate, citric acid, sodium citrate, alkyl polyglucoside, sorbitan caprylate 
  • Packaging selections: tablets
  • Scent selections: Unscented
  • Totally different benefits: A incredible zero waste dishwasher detergent. Purchase a reusable storage tin, refills can be found paper baggage
  • Certifications: Cradle to Cradle Licensed, EPA Safer Various, Leaping Bunny, EWG Verified, B-Firm
  • EWG rating: EWG-Verified
  • Value per load: $.35 – $.50 counting on quantity purchased
  • These are my new favorite dishwasher tablets. They seem to be a bit costlier, nonetheless I love that they are PVA-free they normally work moderately effectively.
  • Get free supply on orders over $45, save on subscriptions
branch basics eco friendly dishwasher tabletsbranch basics eco friendly dishwasher tablets

Division Fundamentals

  • Substances: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Percarbonate, MGDA Trisodium Salt, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Silicate, Poly(itaconic acid-co-AMPS) Sodium Salt, TAED, Protease, Amalyse, Magnesium Stearate, Decyl Glucoside
  • Packaging selections: tablets 
  • Scent selections: Unscented
  • Totally different benefits: These high-quality, sustainable dishwasher tablets are PVA-free
  • Certifications: Leaping Bunny, EWG Verified
  • EWG rating: EWG-Verified
  • Value per load: $.34 – $.38 counting on subscription
Dropps and more of the best eco-friendly dishwasher detergent brandsDropps and more of the best eco-friendly dishwasher detergent brands

Dropps

  • Substances: Sodium carbonate*, sodium percarbonate*, poly(itaconic acid-co-AMPS) sodium salt* , trisodium citrate dihydrate*, alkoxylated alcohol*, subtilisin, silicic acid*, tetraacetylethylenediamine*, alpha amylase, polyvinyl alcohol film (PVOH). *Denotes plant or mineral origin.
  • Packaging selections: pods
  • Scent selections: Unscented or Lemon
  • Totally different benefits: Shipped in low-waste, recyclable cardboard packaging.
  • Certifications: EPA Safer Various, B-Corp
  • EWG rating: A for unscented, B for lemon
  • Value per load: $.29 to $.39 per pod, counting on subscription
  • Once you need non-toxic dishwasher pods, these ones work properly and are very helpful to have on subscription
  • Get 15% off your first order with code DROPPS15 at checkout.
Attitude dishwasher tablets Attitude dishwasher tablets

ATTITUDE

  • Substances: 5-15% oxygen-based bleaching brokers (sodium percarbonate),
  • Packaging selections: tablets
  • Scent selections: Unscented
  • Totally different benefits: ATTITUDE dishwasher tablets don’t have any additional packaging and can be found a recyclable cardboard discipline. 
  • Certifications: EcoLogo licensed
  • EWG rating: Current product not listed
  • ATTITUDE moreover makes my favorite non-toxic dish cleansing cleaning soap that may be refillable
  • Value per load: $.37 to $.45 per capsule, counting on subscription.
  • Get 15% off with code MINDFULMOMMA15 at checkout.
Aspen Clean dishwasher podsAspen Clean dishwasher pods

Aspen Clear

  • Substances: Sodium Citrate; Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide; Sodium Sulfate; Sodium Silicate, Decyl Glucoside (Coconut, Palm Kernel Oil derived), Subtilisin (Enzyme), Alpha-amylase (Enzyme), Sodium Carboxymethyl Inulin (Chicory Root derived), Water / Eau, Alcohol (Corn derived)**, Sodium Chloride (Salt) Film: Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer (water-soluble, biodegradable) 
  • Packaging selections: pods
  • Scent selections: Unscented
  • Totally different benefits: Is accessible in a recyclable cardboard discipline
  • Certifications: Eco-Cert, Leaping Bunny, EWG Verified™
  • EWG rating: EWG Verified™
  • Value per load: $.58 to $.64 per pod, counting on subscription
Grove Co dishwasher detergent packs - non-toxic dishwasher detergentGrove Co dishwasher detergent packs - non-toxic dishwasher detergent

Grove Collaborative

  • Substances: Sodium carbonate, citric acid,* sodium sulfate, sodium percarbonate, sodium silicate, sorbitan caprylate,* tetrasodium glutamate diacetic acid,* sodium carboxymethyl inulin,* protease,* amylase.* *Plant-derived ingredient (Scented product incorporates: pure fragrance,** citral,* d-Limonene,* linalool.*)
  • Packaging selections: packs
  • Scent selections: Free & Clear or Lemon & Eucalyptus
  • Totally different benefits: Comes packaged in a recyclable aluminum tin
  • Certifications: USDA BioPreferred, Licensed Cruelty Free, B-Corp
  • EWG rating: Not listed
  • Value per load: $0.33 per pod

Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent Powder

Dishwasher powder is one of the best kind of dishwasher detergent. It might be poured or scooped instantly into the detergent dispenser. The advantages of dishwasher powder are that it is cheap and as well as that it usually comes packaged in a cardboard discipline in its place of plastic. The disadvantages of powder is that it might be messy. Moreover, I’ve found that if I unintentionally over-fill my detergent dispenser, it each obtained’t open all through cleaning, or there’s powder nonetheless left over on the end of the cycle.

Seventh-Generation-dishwasher-detergent-powder-newSeventh-Generation-dishwasher-detergent-powder-new

Seventh Period

  • Substances: Sodium chloride (mineral-based processing assist), sodium sulfate (mineral-based processing assist), sodium carbonate (mineral-based cleaning agent), citric acid (plant-derived water softener), sodium percarbonate (mineral-based oxygen stain elimination agent), ppg-10-laureth-7 (plant-modified synthetic cleaning agent), sodium silicate (mineral-based cleaning enhancer), sodium polyaspartate (synthetic anti-filming agent), protease enzyme combine (plant-based soil remover), amylase enzyme combine (plant-based soil remover).
  • Packaging selections: powder, packs or gel
  • Scent selections: free & clear, latest citrus, lemon
  • Totally different benefits: is on the market in a cardboard discipline
  • Certifications: USDA Licensed Biobased Product, Leaping Bunny, B-Firm
  • EWG rating: A
  • Value per load: $0.12 (based mostly totally on 1-oz per load)
rosey dishwasher detergent powderrosey dishwasher detergent powder

Rosey Dishwasher Detergent Powder (from Thrive Market)

  • Substances: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Citric Acid, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, Sodium Sulfate, Protease Enzyme.
  • Packaging selections: powder or packs 
  • Scent selections: Unscented or Latest Lemon
  • Totally different benefits: The underside worth per load
  • Certifications: Leaping Bunny, B-Corp
  • EWG rating: Current product not listed, nonetheless earlier mannequin was an A
  • Value per load: $0.06 (based mostly totally on 1/2 oz per load)
Ecover dishwasher powderEcover dishwasher powder

Ecover

  • Substances: Sodium sulfate (pH adjuster/processing assist), Sodium carbonate (Cleaning agent/pH optimizer), Sodium citrate (pH adjuster), Sodium chloride (pH adjuster/processing assist), Sodium metasilicate (Corrosion inhibitor/pH adjuster), Sodium carbonate peroxide (Cleaning agent), Sodium polyitaconate (Anti-filming agent), Alcohol alkoxylate (Cleaning agent), Subtilisin (Enzymatic stain elimination), Amylase (Cleaning enzyme)
  • Packaging selections: powder or tablets
  • Scent selections: Zero (fragrance free) or Citrus
  • Totally different benefits: Is accessible in a cardboard carton
  • EWG rating: Current product not listed
  • Value per load: $0.13 (based mostly totally on 1-oz per load)

Best Eco Dishwasher Detergent Gel

Some people need dishwasher gel on account of it is less complicated to dispense the right amount than with powder, although you presumably can nonetheless over-pour in case you’re not cautious. An enormous disadvantage of dishwasher gels is that they arrive packaged in a plastic bottle. Though it is recyclable, it is nonetheless plastic and I’m all for avoiding plastic every time doable!

Better Life dishwasher gelBetter Life dishwasher gel

Increased Life

  • Substances: Purified water, Potassium Cocoate, Sodium Citrate, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Silicate, Decyl glucoside, Quillaja saponaria bark extract, Glycerin (vegetable), Sodium carbonate, Xanthan gum, Sorbitan oleate, Enzyme combine, Citric acid
  • Packaging selections: gel
  • Scent selections: Unscented
  • Totally different benefits:  Easy squirt bottle
  • EWG rating: A
  • Value per load: $0.12 (based mostly totally on 1/2 oz per load)
ECOS Wave dishwasher gelECOS Wave dishwasher gel

ECOS

  • Substances: Water, Sodium Citrate (plant-derived water softener), Citric Acid (plant-derived pH adjuster), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (plant-derived water softener), Xanthan Gum (plant-derived thickener), Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside (plant-derived surfactant), Potassium Sorbate (plant-derived preservative), Enzymatic Combine (soil remover).
  • Packaging selections: gel
  • Scent selections: Free & Clear
  • EWG rating: A
  • Value per load: $0.14 (based mostly totally on 1-oz per load)

Best Unscented Pure Dishwasher Detergent

Once you or anyone in your own home has allergic reactions or sensitivities to fragrances, you perhaps want to stick with unscented dishwasher detergent since fragrances in detergents can comprise quite a few chemical compounds that can irritate delicate individuals.

Scented detergents can depart behind fragrance residues on dishes which can affect the flavour of meals served on them. Personally, I would like using an unscented dishwasher detergent for that cause.

All of the dishwasher detergent solutions on this put up have unscented selections accessible. My favorite are the Blueland Dishwasher Tablets on account of they’re unscented and PVA-free.

Best Eco Nice Dishwasher Detergent FAQs

What is the best dishwasher detergent for laborious water?

From what I’ve be taught, dishwasher detergents that comprise sodium chloride or sodium carbonate work best for properties with laborious water. These detergents normally come inside the kind of powders, pods or tablets, nonetheless not liquids or gels. 

Would you like a rinse assist inside the dishwasher?

Once you keep in an house that has significantly laborious water, it is attainable you may need to make use of a rinse assist. Seventh Period Rinse Help works properly for me!

Which is more healthy – dishwasher pods, liquid or powder?

This principally comes proper right down to your personal alternative. In keeping with a poll by Shopper Research, pods are by far the popular sort of dishwasher detergent (over 70%), whereas liquid is subsequent (20%), and fewer than 10% need powdered detergent. Pods examined best of their cleaning trials too. Given the premeasured consolation of pods and tablets, I can see why they win this recognition contest! From an environmental perspective package-free tablets ranking greater than PVA pods. Nonetheless in case you’re searching for most likely probably the most cheap dishwasher detergent, a powder will most likely be your best wager. 

My dishes aren’t clear – what must I do?

When was the ultimate time you cleaned your dishwasher filter? It would most likely get pretty gross and it’ll impression the cleaning cycle. Keep in mind to clear the filter recurrently and perform a additional thorough cleaning typically as properly. 

My glasses have spots on them – what must I do?

No one likes spotty glassware. If in case you’ve laborious water, you perhaps need to make use of a rinse assist to get your glassware to return out sparkly clear. 

Do you would have a favorite eco-friendly dishwasher detergent? Let me know inside the suggestions!

green & healthy wishes Micaela signaturegreen & healthy wishes Micaela signature

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